American Express Membership Rewards - First Republic, Fidelity, and Amex

Does anyone know why First Republic and Amex terminated their card issuing agreement?

Also, I know that Fidelity no longer has Amex charge card linked to their investment account but still serving current client, but does anyone no if you can still have one issued on a special request?

Speculation here:

http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/american-express-membership-rewards/1072743-first-republic-bank-program-discontinued.html